6 Factors To Consider When Asking For A Job Referral

Whether you're
unemployed or supported by a regular paycheck, job hunting and
blindly sending out résumés can be a tiring and frustrating
experience.

So when the career gods smile
in your direction and provide your dream position at a company
where you know an employee, it can feel as though your
professional traffic jam just opened onto the six-lane new-job
freeway. But before you fire off that "Will you refer me?" email,
consider some of these important factors that can make or break
your chances at an interview.

How Do You Know Your Contact?

If your intended referrer is your best college pal or Aunt
Winnie, proceed with caution. While it's great to have friends
or family who can vouch for you on a personal level, many
hiring managers are more interested in your professional
abilities. And getting a referral from someone who can't even
repeat what you do for a living may come across as a weak
attempt at getting your foot in the door, not a strong
recommendation. The best contact is one who knows your career
progression and accomplishments.

Understand Your Contact's Position in the
Company

Your dream job resides in sales and marketing, but your
contact at the company works in tech support. At small
companies, this link may be sufficient enough to secure you
an interview, but you can't always count on it. The best
referral will come from someone who is knowledgeable about
the open position and the kind of requirements and experience
it entails.

Put Your Request in Writing

If you decide that your contact is a strong one, then make
your request in writing. Your potential referrer can then
take the time to thoughtfully consider whether or not she
is comfortable making an introduction before responding to
you with her answer. And you give her a chance to quickly
research any pertinent information regarding the hiring
manager and job qualifications.

Is Your Contact Willing to Provide a
Referral?

When making your referral request, ask your contact
whether she is comfortable providing a referral. While
you might be eager to cut to the chase by asking directly
for an endorsement, a wishy-washy or noncommittal
referral can be worse than no referral at all, so don't
take it personally if she refuses. But hopefully you've
carefully considered your relationship with this person
so that the answer is a confident "Yes!"

Suggest a Pre-Interview

Even if your contact agrees to put you in touch with
the hiring manager, offer to take her to lunch so you
can provide her with the information she needs to
deliver a strong referral. Describe your major
professional accomplishments, and relate them to why
you think you would be an ideal candidate for the
listed position. By offering up the information she
needs, you not only increase your chances of obtaining
an interview, but you also make her look good to her
coworkers by contributing an informed
recommendation.

Say, "Thank You"

Before you even know if you've obtained the
interview, send your referrer a thank-you note.
You'll let her know that regardless of the outcome,
you appreciate her time and effort. And even if this
position doesn't pan out for you, your graciousness
will keep you top-of-mind if similar positions arise
in the future!